UPDATE: Sydney counter-terrorism operation – final man released

Publish date: Sunday, 6 August 2017, Publish time: 4:43pm

This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police

A 39-year-old man, detained in relation to allegations regarding a potential terrorist attack, has been charged with one count of Possession of Prohibited Weapon and released from police custody (Sunday, 6 August).

He has been bailed to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 24th.

He was one of four men arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team on Saturday, 29 July, regarding an investigation into allegations of a terrorist attack using an improvised device.

The men were detained under 'specified time' provisions outlined in Section 23DD of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).

On Thursday, 3 August, a 49-year-old Lakemba man and a 32-year-old Punchbowl man were charged with two counts of acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

A 50-year-old man was released from police custody on Tuesday, 1 August, without charge.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Police urge members of the community to report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. You can remain anonymous.